The greatest value of financial advice: Peace of mind

When investors picture the value of financial advice, they often think of numbers and returns. But for many, the real benefit is more personal: peace of mind.

Imagine an investor watching financial markets shift, uncertain whether to make a move or stay the course. In that moment of uncertainty, what matters most isn’t a performance chart. It’s knowing a trusted advisor is available to offer guidance and reassurance.

Recent research and expert insights confirm it: “Peace of mind” is the top reason people seek advice. As Garrett Harbron, Vanguard’s head of Advised Wealth Management Strategies, put it, “Peace of mind means knowing you have a trusted partner who’s helping you stay on track, no matter what the markets or life throw your way.”

Vanguard’s research shows that the value of financial advice extends well beyond investment returns, tax strategies, and financial planning. In fact, 86% of advised clients reported having more peace of mind compared with managing their finances alone. This reassurance is often the main reason clients seek out an advisor—and it’s why they continue the relationship over time.

Peace of mind is built over time through ongoing support, communication, and personalized guidance. Advisors foster this confidence not just through investment recommendations, but also by reaching out during market events, reminding clients to follow through on plans, and sharing updates on portfolio monitoring. Even behind-the-scenes work such as rebalancing portfolios or scanning for tax-saving opportunities contributes to a client’s sense of support.

“Emotional benefits often outweigh traditional metrics like returns, even if investors initially seek advice for performance,” Harbron said. “What keeps clients coming back is the sense of security and trust that comes from knowing their advisor is always in their corner.” 

The research also highlights the importance of tailoring advice and communication to each client’s needs and definitions of success. Advisors who invite clients to define what success means to them—and then explain strategies in clear, relatable terms—help foster deeper trust and satisfaction.

There’s no single definition of financial success. Some clients focus on projected income, others on the probability of reaching their goals. Advisors who encourage clients to set their own benchmarks, and then personalize their guidance, build stronger, more trusting relationships.

While it’s easy to measure returns, quantifying peace of mind is more challenging. Client surveys and feedback can help assess emotional and time value. For example, other recent Vanguard research found that 76% of advised clients reported spending less time worrying about their finances, with a median reduction of two hours per week.¹ That’s more than 100 hours a year they can now devote to their families and other interests, instead of worrying about their finances. The research also found that emotional and time value go hand in hand. When clients spend less time worrying about their finances, they feel more confident and supported.

Financial advice goes beyond performance numbers. It helps people sleep better at night, confident that their goals are within reach and their financial lives are in good hands. Today, more people recognize that the emotional benefits of advice—confidence, clarity, and peace of mind—are just as important as performance metrics.

Advisors and firms are shifting their messaging to reflect what matters most to clients. No matter how technology and the industry evolve, the greatest value an advisor can offer is peace of mind.